- Rajoelina reportedly fled Madagascar amid mounting protests.
- Army units defected, backing youth-led demonstrations.
- The nation faces rising tension and political uncertainty.
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina has reportedly fled the country following intensified nationwide protests demanding his resignation.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Rajoelina was expected to address the nation at 17:30 GMT on Monday but postponed his speech after soldiers allegedly threatened to seize state television, according to the presidency. It was the second time in less than a week that his address had been cancelled. The president has not been seen in public since Wednesday.
Opposition leader Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko told Reuters that Rajoelina departed the country on Sunday after sections of the army defected to join demonstrators. “We called the staff of the presidency, and they confirmed that he left the country,” Randrianasoloniaiko said.
A military source told Reuters that the embattled leader left aboard a French military aircraft. French broadcaster RFI reported that Rajoelina may have reached an arrangement with President Emmanuel Macron before his departure.
Also on Sunday, former Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and businessman Maminiaina Ravatomanga—both close allies of Rajoelina—flew urgently to Mauritius, the Mauritian government confirmed.
Before leaving, Rajoelina warned of an alleged plot to seize power illegally as protests grew across the country. Hours later, CAPSAT, an elite army unit, announced it had taken control of the military command and now oversees all branches of the armed forces.
The situation escalated further as soldiers were greeted by jubilant protesters in the capital, Antananarivo. Military leaders openly expressed support for the demonstrators, raising uncertainty about the government’s control.
Despite the heightened tension and military presence, no violence was immediately reported, leaving Madagascar in a fragile and uncertain political state.
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